HDMI Device Stacking Support via Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern computing systems, such as HDTVs and LCD TVs, are often limited to one or two HDMI ports, making it difficult for users to connect and simultaneously use multiple HDMI devices without the need for additional switching devices like switch boxes.

Innovation Solution

An HDMI device with two connectors and an electronic assembly that operates in multiple modes, allowing HDMI data from one connector to be transmitted to the other, or preventing transmission, enabling multiple devices to be connected to a single port and switched between without external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a computing system is equipped with only one or two HDMI ports, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to connect multiple HDMI devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to connect multiple HDMI devicesVSAvoidnumber of HDMI ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI device is designed with dual HDMI connectors that can function in multiple modes: as a passthrough connector to transmit HDMI data between devices, or as a standalone connector to receive HDMI data from stacked devices. This multi-functionality allows a single HDMI port on the computing system to support multiple HDMI devices through stacking, eliminating the need for additional ports while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a stacking architecture where multiple HDMI devices are physically nested or stacked together. Each HDMI device can be connected to another HDMI device via its connectors, forming a stack that interfaces with a single HDMI port on the computing system. This nesting approach allows multiple devices to occupy a compact form factor while expanding connectivity capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional devices like switch boxes are used to connect multiple HDMI devices, then the adaptability to use multiple devices is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use multiple HDMI devicesVSAvoidswitching between HDMI devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI device incorporates an electronic assembly with logic to automatically manage the switching between different HDMI devices in the stack. The system can detect which device should be active and route the HDMI signal accordingly without requiring manual intervention from the user. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining the ability to connect multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The HDMI device acts as an intermediary between the computing system and multiple stacked HDMI devices. The electronic assembly within the HDMI device manages the routing and switching of HDMI signals between the single HDMI port and multiple connected devices, eliminating the need for external switch boxes while providing automated device management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If HDMI data is transmitted through multiple stacked devices, then the adaptability to connect devices is improved, but the loss of information or signal quality may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking support for HDMI devicesVSAvoidHDMI data transmission quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI device includes a mode where it can extract and process HDMI data from the incoming signal. The electronic assembly can identify and separate the active HDMI device's signal from the stacked configuration, ensuring that only the relevant data is transmitted forward. This extraction capability prevents signal degradation that would occur if data simply passed through multiple devices without active management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive mechanical signal passing with active electronic signal management. Instead of relying on simple physical connections that would degrade signals through multiple devices, the electronic assembly actively manages HDMI data transmission, detecting and routing signals electronically to maintain signal integrity and reliability across the stacked configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10331606B2HDMI devices and methods with stacking support

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Embodiments for managing High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) data, such as an HDMI device, are provided. The HDMI device includes a body, first and second HDMI connectors coupled to the body, and an electronic assembly coupled to the body. The electronic assembly is configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode of operation, the electronic assembly causes HDMI data received at the second HDMI connector to be transmitted to the first HDMI connector. In the second mode of operation, the electronic assembly does not cause the HDMI data received at the second HDMI connector to be transmitted to the first HDMI connector.